Comments on: “Video Games Haven’t Changed,” by Paul DeLaurentis, Jr.

By: Guy LeCharles Gonzalez

Guy LeCharles Gonzalez — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 04:59:22 +0000

I love World of Goo. While I’m sure it mimics something that came before that I’ve never heard of, I’ll throw it in the ring for exactly that reason.

As for the Wii, as D. notes above, my wife has actually played it a few times, and a group playing Wii Sports Resort somehow feels less anti-social than a Madden Tournament.

But yeah, it’s all pretty much new lipstick on the same pig at the end of the day.

By: D. Travis North

D. Travis North — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 23:05:06 +0000

Nail on the head, my friend…nail on the head. I always joke that everything falls into one of four categories: Tetris rip-off/mod, Wolfenstein rip-off/mod, Warcraft rip-off/mod or Dungeons-and-dragons rip-off/mod. Even the MMOs fall into one of those categories. It’s sad. Of course…when asked about a new idea, I have none. I’m not a game designer, but as a gamer…I cannot figure out a concept I’d like to play. I guess I’ve gotten bored with games.

Wii – I like Wii for one simple reason: Non-geeks play it. My wife and I have a Wii (a gift from my company)…we play it all the time. She is anything but a geek…but somehow that silly white block (er…controller) seems to make things more interesting for her. It’s less about timing of ones thumbs and more about physical activity that brings out the competitive in us. So while it’s the same old games, it’s at least a new medium.

PS – Paul…where you been? Haven’t talked to you in…wow…18 years…

By: Paul DeLaurentis Jr

Paul DeLaurentis Jr — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 21:59:21 +0000

They’re the worst!

By: Keith

Keith — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 19:17:27 +0000

Wow, Paul I was just complaining about jumping puzzles 10 seconds ago.

Thumb on my pulse, brother.

By: Paul DeLaurentis Jr

Paul DeLaurentis Jr — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 02:37:12 +0000

I found Katamari to be rather dull. Another puzzle game that was fun for 15 minutes but the novelty wore off quickly. Was it innovative? Well tell me of a game that has come to be because of this game and its mechanics.

This is the problem with puzzle games. They are one dimensional, for the most part, and have no greater impact on gaming than being a footnote.

I respectfully disagree with you.

(I haven’t played Flower…but I will tomorrow!)

By: Scionical

Scionical — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 02:28:46 +0000

David’s right.

I had blocked that game from my reality.

For good reason.

By: David Hill

David Hill — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 02:21:20 +0000

Katamari Damacy.

I’ve never played anything else like it. I don’t think I ever will.

By: Scionical

Scionical — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 23:13:37 +0000

That should read “will get refined into better versions”. At least, that’s the hope.

By: Scionical

Scionical — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 23:12:45 +0000

I’m trying like hell to think of any game that has significantly revitalized game play, but not much is coming to mind. That’s fine with me though – refinement is the stage we are at. The new things won’t come as rapidly as before, but the stuff that has been set up will not get refined into better versions… which is pretty much the cycle.

I’ll agree that Flower is the only fairly unique game I’ve seen recently. I haven’t played it, but I’ve seen the demos for it.

By: Helmsman

Helmsman — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 20:33:18 +0000

k… gauntlet has been thrown… find a unique game…

Best I can think of is Flower which is available as downloadable content on the PS3. It’s a puzzle game… but beyond that it’s about as original as modern games get. It creates a different kind of joy than most games will give you. Flower only pays token lip-service to the challenges that create what most people consider fundamental in any game, and goes instead to immerse you in a soothing world of color and music tailored to inspire various emotions. It’s about as nancy-pants airy fairy as you can get, but it’s original.